Congressman Ami Bera. (facebook.com/RepAmiBera)

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., the only Indian American in Congress and Co-chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, this week introduced a resolution (H. Res. 395) to recognize India’s upcoming Independence Day and the significance of the United States – India partnership.

The resolution commemorates the 68th anniversary of India’s Independence Day on August 15th, and celebrates the contributions of Indian Americans in various sectors of American society.

“As the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, the United States and India share common values and the growing partnership between the two countries makes sense. On this Independence Day anniversary, and as the son of Indian parents, I’m proud to recognize the contributions of this community to our military efforts, law enforcement, scientific innovation, and so many other aspects of public life,” said Bera.

Several other members co-sponsored the resolution including: Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus Joseph Crowley (NY-14), House Foreign Affairs ranking member Elliot Engel (NY-16), Co-chair  of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans George Holding (NC-13), Rep Jim Costa (CA-16), Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-21),  Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2), Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26), Rep. Steve Israel (NY-3), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-6), Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-30), and Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9).

The Resolution also recognizes the importance of continuing and growing the strategic partnership between the United States and India to further common goals of supporting democracy, pluralism, and rule of law. With a population of more than 1.2 billion people, the Republic of India is the world’s largest democracy, and shares a commitment to promoting human rights and freedom.

The resolution also mentions the economic dimension of the United States’ relationship with India, which is based on trade and investment interests. These ties have helped create jobs and growth in both countries. As co-chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, Bera works on strengthening these ties to the benefit of American economic prosperity.

Bera represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He’s fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country’s debt in a responsible way. A proponent for strengthening United States’ strategic and trading relationship with India and Asia, Bera is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is working to open Asian markets to California products to create new jobs.

He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove, Calif., with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit http://www.bera.house.gov.